Have you heard of the Working Holiday program? It’s designed for individuals aged 18 to 30. If you’re a citizen of Korea, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, or Japan and meet the age requirements, keep reading to find out how you can spend up to 12 months in Poland through this unique opportunity. The Working Holiday program combines travel and leisure with the chance to learn new languages, experience different cultures, and gain work experience abroad.

Which countries take part in the Working Holiday program?

So far, Poland has signed bilateral agreements with the six following countries:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Korea
  • Japan
  • Taiwan
  • Chile

Purpose of a program

The Working Holiday program is designed to:

  • Encourage tourism and cultural exchange in the host country
  • Provide opportunities to explore new cultures and learn foreign languages
  • Allow participants to gain work experience during their stay

Requirements for participants of the Program

To participate in the program, applicants must meet the following conditions::

  • Purpose of stay: The applicant must declare that their primary reason for participating in the program is to go on holiday for up to twelve months.
  • Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old and not yet 31 at the time of the visa application.
  • Financial support: The applicant must not be accompanied by dependents.
  • Passport: The applicant must hold a valid passport issued no earlier than 10 years before the date of the visa application, with at least two blank pages, and valid for at least 90 days beyond the planned stay in Poland.
  • Return Ticket: The applicant must have a return ticket to their country of origin or sufficient financial means to purchase one.
  • Financial Means: The applicant must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
  • Health Requirements: The applicant must meet the health requirements set by the host country.
  • Health Insurance: The program participant is required to purchase comprehensive health insurance, including hospital care, in accordance with the regulations of the host country.
  • Participation History: The applicant must not have previously participated in the “Work and Travel” program organized by the host country (this does not apply to New Zealand citizens).
  • Fee: The program participant is required to pay the application and visa issuance fee (this does not apply to Japanese citizens).

Additional requirements by the country

Depending on the applicant’s country of origin, additional requirements may apply:

Australia:

  • The applicant must have a higher education degree or have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies.

Japan:

  • The applicant must declare their intention to leave the host country after the authorized stay and must not change their residence status during their stay.
  • The applicant must not have a criminal record.

Korea:

  • At the time of application, the applicant must have permanent residence in Korea.
  • The applicant must not have a criminal record.

Taiwan:

  • The applicant must have permanent residence in Taiwan.
  • The applicant must demonstrate at least a communicative level of English proficiency.

Chile:

  • The applicant must submit a certificate of no criminal record.

Stay and working conditions

Under international agreements, the maximum length of stay in the host country is twelve months. Participants are allowed to work without needing an additional work permit. However, employment must align with the purpose of stay as outlined by the program.

The duration of employment with a particular employer is regulated by international agreements. In most cases, participants may work for a single employer for up to three months. However, New Zealand citizens are permitted to work for the same employer for up to six months.

Participants are required to comply with the laws of the host country. Violating local laws may result in deportation at the discretion of the host country’s authorities.

Summary

The Working Holiday program is a unique opportunity for young people to explore Poland, experience its culture, and gain valuable professional experience.

If you need support with the application process, MigraMate provides professional assistance in preparing your application and obtaining a visa under the program. With our experience and comprehensive guidance, we’ll help you navigate every step smoothly.

Don’t wait—get in touch with us today!